“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a classic science fiction novel that has captured the imagination of readers for generations. The book tells the story of Meg Murry, a young girl who embarks on a journey through time and space to rescue her father from evil forces. But beyond its thrilling plot, “A Wrinkle in Time” is also an allegory that explores deeper themes and ideas.
At its core, “A Wrinkle in Time” is a story about the battle between good and evil. The book’s characters must confront the darkness within themselves and in the world around them, and ultimately choose to fight for what is right. Through this allegory, L’Engle explores the power of love, faith, and courage in the face of adversity.
As readers delve deeper into “A Wrinkle in Time,” they will discover a rich tapestry of symbolism and metaphor. From the three mysterious beings known as “Mrs. Who,” “Mrs. Whatsit,” and “Mrs. Which,” to the dark planet of Camazotz, the book is full of hidden meanings that add depth and complexity to the story. By understanding these allegorical elements, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the themes and ideas that L’Engle was exploring in this beloved classic.
Overview of Allegory in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’
In ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, Madeleine L’Engle uses allegory to convey complex ideas and themes in a way that is accessible to young readers. The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father from the clutches of an evil force known as “IT”.
Throughout the novel, L’Engle uses a variety of allegorical elements to explore the themes of good vs. evil, conformity vs. individuality, and the power of love. For example, the character of IT represents the ultimate embodiment of evil, using its power to control and manipulate others for its own gain. Meanwhile, Meg and her companions represent the forces of good, fighting against IT’s influence and ultimately triumphing through their own unique strengths and abilities.
Another key allegorical element in the novel is the concept of the “tesseract”, which represents the idea of traveling through time and space in a non-linear way. This idea is used to explore the theme of the interconnectedness of all things, as Meg and her companions learn that everything in the universe is connected in some way, and that even the smallest actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Character Allegories
Meg Murry as the Everyman
Meg Murry, the protagonist of Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” represents the Everyman, or the common person. Meg struggles with fitting in at school and feels like an outsider, making her relatable to readers who have also felt like they don’t belong. Meg’s journey through time and space to rescue her father from an evil force is a metaphor for the journey that every person must make to overcome their fears and find their place in the world. Meg’s character arc shows that even the most ordinary person can become a hero.
Charles Wallace as Innocence
Charles Wallace, Meg’s younger brother, is a child prodigy who possesses a deep wisdom beyond his years. His innocence and purity of heart make him a symbol of the divine and the spiritual. Charles Wallace’s ability to communicate with the celestial beings, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, represents the connection between the human and the divine. Charles Wallace’s character arc shows that even the most innocent and vulnerable among us can possess great strength and wisdom.
Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which as Guiding Figures
Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are the celestial beings who guide Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin on their journey through time and space. These characters represent the guiding figures who help us find our way in life. Mrs. Whatsit, with her transformation from a humble old woman to a powerful winged creature, represents the transformative power of faith and belief. Mrs. Who, with her ability to quote from great works of literature, represents the wisdom of the ages. Mrs. Which, with her ability to transport the children through space and time, represents the power of imagination and creativity. Together, these characters show that guidance can come from many sources and that the journey of self-discovery is a collaborative effort.
Themes and Symbolism
The Fight Against Conformity
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a story that explores the dangers of conformity. The main character, Meg, is a misfit who struggles to fit in with her peers. She is different, and her differences are not accepted by her classmates. However, Meg learns that her differences are what make her special and that she should embrace them. The story shows that it is important to be true to oneself, even if it means going against the norm.
The Power of Love
Love is a central theme in A Wrinkle in Time. Meg’s love for her family is what drives her to embark on a dangerous journey to save her father. Love is portrayed as a powerful force that can overcome even the darkest of evils. Meg’s love for her brother, Charles Wallace, is what ultimately saves him from the clutches of IT. The story shows that love is a force that can conquer all.
Good vs. Evil
The battle between good and evil is a recurring theme in A Wrinkle in Time. The Black Thing, also known as the Darkness, represents evil, while the three Mrs. Ws represent good. Meg and her companions must fight against the Darkness in order to save Meg’s father and Charles Wallace. The story shows that good will always triumph over evil, as long as there are those who are willing to fight for it.
Setting as Allegory
The setting of “A Wrinkle in Time” is an essential aspect of the allegory used by Madeleine L’Engle to explore deeper themes. The different worlds visited by the characters represent different aspects of reality and symbolize different ideas.
Camazotz as a Dystopian Society
Camazotz is a planet visited by Meg and her companions, where everything is controlled by a central brain. This society is portrayed as a conformist utopia, where everyone is the same, and there is no individuality. The uniformity of the society is emphasized by the sameness of the houses and the identical children playing outside. This sameness is a symbol of the dangers of conformity and the loss of individuality.
Ixchel and the Power of Perception
Ixchel is a planet visited by Meg and her companions, where the inhabitants are blind. However, they have developed other senses to compensate for their lack of sight. This society is a symbol of the power of perception and the importance of seeing things from different perspectives. The inhabitants of Ixchel have developed a different way of interpreting reality, which allows them to perceive things that others cannot. This is a reminder that there are many ways of looking at the world, and that our perception can shape our reality.
Plot Elements Reflecting Allegory
The Tesseract as a Metaphor for Understanding
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a science fiction novel that uses allegory to explore complex themes such as good vs. evil, love, and the nature of the universe. The Tesseract, a fifth-dimensional object that allows the characters to travel through space and time, is a metaphor for understanding. Meg, the protagonist, learns to use the Tesseract to save her father and defeat the evil forces that threaten the universe.
The Tesseract represents the power of knowledge and the importance of understanding to overcome obstacles. Meg’s journey to understand the Tesseract mirrors her journey to understand herself and the world around her. Through her experiences, she learns that understanding is the key to overcoming fear and darkness.
The Black Thing as the Embodiment of Evil
The Black Thing, a mysterious force that threatens the universe, is the embodiment of evil in A Wrinkle in Time. The Black Thing represents the darkness that exists in the world and the struggle between good and evil. Meg and her companions must confront the Black Thing and defeat it to save the universe.
The Black Thing is a powerful symbol of the struggle between good and evil. It represents the darkness that exists within all of us and the need to confront and overcome it. Meg’s journey to defeat the Black Thing mirrors her journey to confront her own fears and weaknesses. Through her experiences, she learns that the power of love and goodness can overcome even the darkest of forces.
Literary Devices Used to Convey Allegory
Imagery and Metaphors
One of the literary devices used in A Wrinkle in Time to convey allegory is imagery and metaphors. The author, Madeleine L’Engle, uses vivid descriptions to create a fantastical world that represents the battle between good and evil. For example, the planet Camazotz is described as a place where everything is the same, and conformity is the norm. This imagery is used to represent the dangers of conformity and the importance of individuality. Similarly, the darkness that Meg and her companions encounter represents evil and the dangers of giving in to fear.
Foreshadowing and Irony
Another literary device used in A Wrinkle in Time to convey allegory is foreshadowing and irony. Through foreshadowing, the author hints at the outcome of the story and the importance of certain events. For example, the fact that Meg’s father is a scientist and has been missing for years foreshadows the role that science will play in the story. Additionally, the fact that Meg is able to save her father by embracing her faults and imperfections is an example of irony. This irony highlights the importance of embracing one’s flaws and the role they can play in achieving success.
Reception and Critique of Allegorical Elements
A Wrinkle in Time has been widely praised for its use of allegorical elements to explore complex themes. The novel has been recognized as a powerful work of literature that has the ability to inspire readers of all ages. However, some critics have argued that the use of allegory can be heavy-handed and detracts from the story.
Despite these criticisms, many readers have found the allegorical elements to be both effective and engaging. The novel’s exploration of the struggle between good and evil, for example, is a theme that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The use of symbolism and metaphor also adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to engage with the text on multiple levels.
Comparative Analysis with Other Allegorical Works
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a well-known piece of literature that uses allegory to deliver its message. It is not the only work of its kind, however, as there are other allegorical works that share similarities with it.
One such work is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Both books feature a young protagonist who must embark on a journey to save someone they love. In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg must save her father, while in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucy and her siblings must save Narnia. Both books also feature a battle between good and evil, with the protagonists representing the forces of good.
Another allegorical work that shares similarities with A Wrinkle in Time is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Both books use animal characters to represent human traits and social issues. In A Wrinkle in Time, the characters of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which represent different aspects of the divine, while in Animal Farm, the animals represent different classes of society.